Belfast Harbour Celebrates Official Launch of New £26m Hotel

Belfast Harbour marked a new milestone in its £275 million City Quays development when it officially launched (21 June) the new AC Hotel Belfast.

Representing a £26 million investment by Belfast Harbour, the 188-room AC Hotel Belfast, which has brought 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the City, is situated in the heart of City Quays, on Belfast’s waterfront.

The new hotel forms part of the £80 million invested so far by Belfast Harbour in City Quays, creating one of Belfast’s most dynamic and impressive destinations. City Quays comprises high-end commercial offices, cafés, restaurants and new public spaces and waterside walkways.

The four-star, contemporary-luxe hotel is the first Marriott in Northern Ireland and the first AC Hotels by Marriott® on the island of Ireland. It is also the first property in the international lifestyle brand’s 100+ global portfolio to feature a signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – which is spearheaded by Jean-Christophe Novelli and marks the multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef’s Ireland debut.

Speaking at the launch event in the hotel, Belfast Harbour Chairman, Dr David Dobbin CBE, said:

“We are delighted to join with our partners at Marriott International to celebrate the launch of the AC Hotel Belfast, which is a stunning and unique property, and a flagship feature of our City Quays development.

“AC Hotels by Marriott is a globally recognised brand and the hotel-of-choice for leisure and business travellers worldwide and we are extremely proud of our role in introducing such a powerful and distinct new hospitality proposition.

“This official opening marks the fruition of a core strand of Belfast Harbour’s strategic vision, underlining City Quays’ credentials as an outstanding business, leisure and hospitality destination, and an important addition to Belfast’s local, national and international appeal.”

The hotel is the first newly built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK. On the basis that purposeful design improves lives, every detail has been mindfully curated to provide what guests most need and value.

Capturing the contemporary, elegant and European-inspired essence of the brand, bespoke-for-Belfast features include an open-air terrace designed to capitalise on its spectacular location, 360-degree waterfront and wider cityscape views, and the custom-built Novelli kitchen and restaurant.

John Licence, VP Premium & Select Brands Europe, Marriott International added: “Belfast stands among the most vibrant, thriving and progressive cities in the world, with a burgeoning business, tourism and hospitality industry. The City Quays area encapsulates the scale and vision of what is being achieved here. We are excited to be part of this success story and to contribute and add value to it by delivering the AC Hotels’ singularly guest-oriented brand promise to our Belfast guests.”

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Stephen Roach and Craig Bingham, Interstate.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast, Lucy Spratt, Steve Simpson, DJ, and Meagan Green.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli.bPictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast, Lisa Steele, AC Hotel Belfast, Diana and Jim Fitzsimons, Belfast Harbour.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel 016 .The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Lee Bresland, David Purdon and Peter Bradley.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel 012 The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Brian Maxwell and Ashleigh Cole.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Marianne Hood, Institute of Hospitality, Deirdre O’Brien, Marriott International, and Lisa Steele, AC Hotel Belfast.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Martin Breen, Sunday Life and Jenevieve Devenny.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Brenda and Richard Buckley, Business Eye.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Amanda McBride, AC Hotel Belfast, Igor Novakovic and Deirdre O’Brien, Interstate.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI, and Sarah Travers, Event Host.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Michelle Denver and John Toner, Sunday Life.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast.Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland.Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast Jacqui Martin with Jean-Christophe Novelli.

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party Marks Official Launch of Belfast’s Hottest New Hotel 003.The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch (21 June) of Belfast’s ‘hottest’ new hotel, the AC Hotel Belfast. Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the international lifestyle brand with over 100 properties world-wide, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland. Situated on the waterfront in the heart of Belfast Harbour’s landmark City Quays development, the all-new AC Hotel Belfast opened its doors in April, bringing 80 jobs and a ‘new way to hotel’ to the city. Owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, the £26million property is notably the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK and is one of the most prestigious properties in the brand’s extensive global portfolio. ¬¬¬¬¬¬Custom-built features include an almost entirely glazed façade offering 360-degree views of Belfast Lough and the wider cityscape, and signature restaurant – Novelli at City Quays – headed up by multi-Michelin-starred celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Pictured at the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast, Maurice Bullick, Jenni Barkley, Diana Fitzsimons and Graeme Johnston, Belfast Harbour.